Windies seal spot in Tri-Nations Series final
Saturday, June 25 2016
THE WEST Indies sealed a spot in the final of the Tri-Nations Series with a comprehensive 100- run drubbing of South Africa last night, in the final round-robin One Day International fixture at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
As a result, the hosts will tackle Australia in tomorrow’s final, which will be contested at the Kensington Oval from 1 pm.
The West Indies, who were put in to bat, were dismissed for 285 in 49.5 overs with Darren Bravo lashing 102 while Kieron Pollard contributed 62, captain Jason Holder (who passed a fitness test yesterday morning) 40 and Carlos Brathwaite 33 not out.
Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris took three wickets apiece, for 31 and 63 runs respectively.
In response, Shannon Gabriel (3/17) wrecked the top order with his tremendous pace and bounce while off-spinner Sunil Narine dismantled the middle order with figures of 3/28 as South Africa were bowled out for 185, with 4.1 overs remaining.
Farhaan Behardien was the topscorer for South Africa with 35 while Morne Morkel made an unbeaten 32, Imran Tahir 29 and Wayne Parnell 28.
Unlike their more accomplished batsmen, the South Africa lower order brought some respectability to their total, after they were tottering at 96/7 in the 28th over.
Earlier in the day, the West Indies top order were blown away by Rabada, as they were reeling at 21/4 after five overs. But Bravo and Pollard combined for a fifth-wicket partnership of 156 before Pollard was caught at long-on by Faf du Plessis off Morkel, ending his 71- ball knock (seven fours, two sixes).
Bravo was also held at the deep, after hitting 12 fours and four sixes in his 103-ball innings, while Holder and Brathwaite featured in a vital seventh-wicket stand of 54 in 9.2 overs.
However, the West Indies team will be concerned over the fitness of Gabriel, who only bowled five overs before picking up an injury.
Scores:
WEST INDIES 285 (49.5 overs) - Darren Bravo 102, Kieron Pollard 62, Jason Holder 40, Carlos Brathwaite 33 not out; Kagiso Rabada 3-31, Chris Morris 3-63 vs SOUTH AFRICA 185 (46 overs) - Farhaan Behardien 35, Morne Morkel 32 not out, Imran Tahir 29, Wayne Parnell 28; Shannon Gabriel 3-17, Sunil Narine 3-28, Carlos Brathwaite 2-39. West Indies won by 100 runs.
www.newsday.co.tt/sport/0,229683.html
